Building on success? Del Norte football travels to Shasta looking to build off first win

CRESCENT CITY -- With its first win -- which was also its first Big 5 victory -- under its belt, the Del Norte football team hits the road once again for the second time in three weeks, this time for a nonconference tilt against the Shasta Wolves in Redding Friday evening.

Although the Warriors did have an impressive showing on both sides of the ball in a 40-13 victory over McKinleyville in week two, head coach Ray Rook and his staff have already turned the page, focusing solely on what lies ahead in week three rather than what took place in week two.

"Every game is just as important as the last," Rook said. "(Facing Shasta) will be a good experience for the kids."

The Warriors and Wolves already have something in common, with both squads having faced a potent West Valley Eagles squad in the first and second weeks of the season, respectively.

However, for the Warriors, it's more about focusing on and paying attention to detail within their own game plan than it is what color and what school name happens to be lining up on the opposite side of the line of scrimmage.

"We were able to respond to mistakes we made last week and that was important, but we still have to be able to get more consistent, and that's what we're working on in practice," Rook said.

The Wolves should prove to be a more than formidable opponent, particularly after getting shellacked at the hands of West Valley a week ago and even moreso with the contest being held on Shasta's home field.

"It will be tough match-up for us," Rook admitted. "Shasta's a well-coached team with good size and a quarterback that has a good arm."

Despite the potential potency of their upcoming opponent's attack, the Warriors' coaching staff feels as if it has devised a game plan to respond to what is being thrown at them whether it be literally or figuratively.

"I feel great about our defensive game plan, we just have to be able to execute it," Rook said.